Veteran Services Specialist na Skagit County, WA

About the Department

This position is responsible for planning and managing veterans’ services and programs funded by Skagit County directly and through subcontractors. This individual will build active partnerships among multiple organizations serving veterans and other community partners to improve health and wellness outcomes for veterans. This position will also develop, support and facilitate the Skagit County Veterans Advisory Board, which recommends policies and procedures related to the Veterans Assistance Fund to the Board of Skagit County Commissioners. 

This position also provides direct assistance to veterans and their families with all types of veterans’ benefits, including but not limited to; federal VA disability claims, assistance including service-connected disability compensation and nonservice-connected pension claims, veteran readiness and employment (vocational rehabilitation), education benefits, survivors’ benefits, VA health care enrollment, and state and local veterans’ benefits. 

Position responsibilities include: contract and budget management, administrative oversight of the Veterans Assistance Fund, Skagit County Veterans Advisory Board development, support and facilitation, policy and procedure development, client needs assessments, VA benefits and entitlement assessments and claims assistance, screening and referring clients to local veterans’ resources such as county veterans assistance programs, local housing providers, and health care services to include substance abuse treatment and/or mental health counseling.

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($31.40/hour - $33.66/hour) dependent on qualifications. 
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $39.98/hour). The Veteran Services Specialist is range 14 of the PROTEC Health salary schedule. 

Position Duties

Provides direct customer service to veterans and their families.

Develops, reviews, and performs case management for complex claims such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, exposure to Agent Orange and discharge upgrades. 

Assists veterans with local, state, and federal entitlements.

Addresses veterans advocate groups concerning current rules, regulations, changes, and trends in the veterans’ benefits. 

Studies and explains state and federal veteran’s legislation, regulations and procedures, consulting with providers and with other government agencies to ensure that veterans and their family members are receiving the maximum level of assistance and benefits to which they are entitled. 

Interacts directly with clients by telephone, e-mail and in person to identify needs, barriers, and skills that are key in developing claims.

Screens applications for benefits and entitlements, determines eligibility, and directly assists in the development and processing of claims applications for customers to obtain benefits and entitlements in accordance with state or federal laws. 

Provides claims support on federal and state veterans benefits including, but not limited to service-connected disability compensation, VA employability benefits, nonservice-connected pension, Aid & Attendance benefits, federal VA and DOD health care benefits, VA education benefits, VA home loan benefits, and all state-level veterans benefits. 

Supports community outreach events by providing information and assistance on veterans’ benefits and the agency’s programs and services. 

Responds to incoming referrals and inquiries via the internet, e-mail, telephone, and mail. Handles and processes incoming mail.

Interacts with veterans’ service organization representatives and veteran service officers from partnering agencies.  

Interacts with a network of service providers such as the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Employment Security Department, Department of Licensing, Department of Revenue, Department of Corrections, local county governments, Veterans Assistance Fund, Supportive Service for Veterans and Families Program, Veterans Administration Supportive Housing Program and housing authorities.

Verifies eligibility for benefits and services by providing veteran documents, disability ratings and income verification to outside agencies in support of federal, state, and county programs. 

Addresses veterans’ services and advocacy groups regarding current rules, regulations, policies and trends in the veterans’ benefits realm.

Manages Skagit County Veterans Assistance Fund program through contracted provider and provides oversight of program policies and procedures.

Facilitates and provides support and management of the Commissioner appointed Skagit Count Veterans Advisory Board.

Works in a variety of locations in the Community to provide services that are accessible to all county veterans.

Supervisory: No direct supervisory duties.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, social sciences, human services or closely related field, and ability to complete WDVA Veterans Service Officer 40 hour training within 3 months of hire.

One year professional experience working in health services, social services, public administration, education, policy development, community engagement and mobilization.

OR

Two years’ experience as a Veteran Service Organization Representative, Claims Agent, or Attorney accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

U.S. Veteran with honorable discharge status strongly preferred. 

Requires knowledge of:

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as outlined in the position description.
• Benefits available through the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Employment Security Department.
• State and federal veteran’s legislation, regulations and procedures related to entitlement programs for veterans.
• Available community resources and community groups within Skagit County, as well as regionally and Statewide.
• HIPAA policies and procedures.
• Customer service skills.
• Client centered planning.
• Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Operation of standard office equipment including laser printers, fax machine, copy machine (Including minor maintenance), 10-key calculator, typewriter, computer, scanner and multiple line telephone.
• Office procedures and practices, correspondence and report preparation.
• Filing systems and information retrieval procedures.

Requires the ability to:

• Ability to understand and apply a body of rules and regulations, benefits, and entitlements to clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in dealing with sensitive issues and clients.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with representatives of other organizations.
• Work independently with good organizational skills, prioritizing work to perform all assigned duties in a timely manner with a high level of accuracy.
• Work with complex situations and systems, knowing when to refer clients to other agencies
• Communicate effectively with the public, both in person and on the telephone, using tact, discretion and courtesy. 
• Maintain confidentiality and follow policies and procedures. 
• Function well as a team member.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing and demonstrated capacity for relating well to people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Public speaking ability to address veterans advocate groups concerning current rules, regulations, changes and trends in the veterans’ benefit domain.
• Demonstrated skill and ability to interact with elderly and/or disabled clients being responsive to their needs.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work performed primarily in an office setting. Sitting 80% of time. Sufficient hand-eye coordination to operate office equipment. Attendance at meetings and some travel involved.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment. Relationships dealing with the public.

Other Qualifications

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.